Dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly and can be painful and stressful. A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention from a dentist to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. Examples of dental emergencies include severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, broken or chipped tooth, and soft tissue injuries.
When a dental emergency occurs, it’s important to act quickly and seek prompt dental care to avoid further damage or complications. In this article, we’ll provide some tips and guidelines on what to do in a dental emergency, as well as information on finding dental emergency near me in Houston.
Dental Emergency Near Me In Houston
If you experience a dental emergency, the first thing you should do is look for emergency dental care near me in Houston. Most dental clinics have emergency services that are available outside of regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
To find a dental emergency clinic near you in Houston, you can search online using keywords such as “emergency dentist Houston” or “dental emergency Houston.” You can also check with your regular dentist or your insurance provider for recommendations. Many dental clinics also have an answering service that can direct you to emergency care.
Dentist Near Me Open On Weekends In Houston
It’s not uncommon for dental emergencies to occur on weekends or holidays when many dental offices are closed. However, there are still dentists in Houston who offer weekend and after-hours emergency services.
To find a dentist near you in Houston who is open on weekends or after hours, you can search online using keywords such as ” dentist near me open on weekends in Houston” or “emergency dentist open on weekends Houston.” You can also check with your regular dentist or your insurance provider for recommendations.
Handling Common Dental Emergencies
Knowing how to handle common dental emergencies can help you stay calm and respond quickly when they occur. Here are some tips on how to handle the following dental emergencies:
Severe Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it and use dental floss to remove any food particles that may be stuck between teeth. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen to relieve pain. Avoid placing aspirin or any other painkiller directly on your gums or tooth as this can cause damage.
Knocked-Out Tooth: Pick up the tooth by the crown (the part that is visible above the gum line) and rinse it gently with water, being careful not to touch the root. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth back into its socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of cloth or gauze. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, put it in a container of milk or saliva and take it with you to the dentist.
Broken or Chipped Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it and apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken or chipped piece of tooth, take it with you to the dentist. If the tooth is sensitive, you can use dental wax or temporary filling material to cover the exposed area until you can see a dentist.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply pressure to the injured area using a clean piece of cloth or gauze to stop bleeding. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling. If the bleeding doesn’t stop or the injury is severe, seek immediate dental care.
When To Seek Emergency Dental Care
Not all dental problems require emergency care. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate dental attention:
- Severe toothache that doesn’t go away with pain medication: A severe toothache could be a sign of an infection or abscess that requires immediate treatment to prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the body.
- Broken or knocked-out tooth: If a tooth is broken, chipped, or knocked out, it’s important to seek immediate dental care to save the tooth and prevent further damage. Quick action can sometimes save a broken or knocked-out tooth.
- Gum or soft tissue injuries: Injuries to the gums or soft tissue inside the mouth can cause bleeding and swelling, which can be painful and make it difficult to eat or speak. Seek immediate dental care if the injury is severe or the bleeding doesn’t stop.
- Swelling or infection: Swelling or infection in the mouth, face, or neck can be a sign of a serious dental problem that requires immediate attention. These symptoms could be a sign of an abscess or other infection that can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
- Lost filling or crown: If you lose a filling or crown, the exposed tooth may be sensitive or painful. Seek immediate dental care to prevent further damage to the tooth and avoid infection.
- Broken braces or wires: Broken braces or wires can be uncomfortable and may cause damage to the teeth or mouth. Seek immediate dental care to have them repaired.
In general, if you experience severe pain or symptoms that require immediate attention, seek emergency dental care. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek prompt dental care to prevent further damage or complications.